Means for crushing coal and similar substances.



S E G N A T S B U S R A L I M II ES Lm m 1L W 0 .G G R I H S U R c R 0 P S N A E M 4 1 9 1 RM 1 bc 0 d 8 b n e t a P APPLICATION FILED 1030.27, 1911. 1,1 13,229.

L T E E H J S T E E H B 3 THE NORRIS PETERS Co., PHOTO-LITHQ. WASHINGTON. D. C

R. W. LYLE.

MEANS FOR GRUSHING GOAL AND SIMILAR SUBSTANCES.

APPLIOATION FILED DEC. 27, 1911.

1, 1 1 3,229. Patented Oct. 13, 1914,

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

rHE NORRIS PETERS 00., PHOTO-LITHO.. WASHINGION, D. C.

R. W. LYLE.

MEANS FOR GRUSHI NG COAL AND SIMILAR SUBSTANCES.

APPLIUATION TILED DEC. 27, 1911. 1, 1 1 3,229. Patented Oct. 13, 1914.

3 SHBETS-SHEET 3.

THE NORRIS PETERS C41, PHOTO-LITHO. WASHINGTON. D. C.

UNITE kl:

STATES PATENT @FFIGE.

ROBERT V7. LYLE, 01 SOUTI'I RIVER, NEW JERSEY, ASSIGNOR TO WILLIAM JAMES LYLE, OF SOUTH RIVER, NEW JERSEY.

MEANS FOR- CRUSHING GDAL AND SIMILAR SUBSTANCES.

Specification of Letters Patent.

' Patented Uct. 13,1914.

Application filed December 537, 1911. Serial No. 663,351.

To all whom it may concern lle it known that 1, ROBERT W. LYLE, a citizen of the United States, and resident of South River, in the county of Middlesex and State of llew Jersey, have invented certain new and useful. lmprovements in Means for Crushing Coal and Similar Substances, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to means for crushing coal and similar substances, and it has for its object to provide an improved apparatus of this class, which will be simple, rapid and economical, and which will oper ate with maximum capacity, effectiveness, and general efficiency. V

In the drawings Figure 1 is a side elevation of an ap aratus embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is an end elevation thereof. Fic top or plan view thereof. Fig. lis a vertial longitudinal sectional view, taken centrally through the apparatus. Fig. is a vertical transverse sectional view, taken centrally through the apparatus. Fig. 6 is a detail vertical sectional view, taken on a longitudinal plane, of part of the apparatus, illustrating the action of the crushing means in passing beyond the hopper. Fig. 7 is a detail perspective view illustrating a portion of the moving surface carrying the crushing members, and the means for operatively controlling the movement of the latter. Fig. 8 is a detail perspective view illustrating a modified construction of the crushing members. Fig. 9 is a detail perspective view illustrating a further modified arrangement of the crushing members. Fig 10 is a side view, partly broken away, illustrating a modification in the mounting of the operative portion of the moving crusher surface. 11 is a detail transverse sectional view at the side edge of the moving crusher surface. Fig. 12 is a detail sectional view of the wearing strip construction. Fig. 13 isa detail side view atone of the openings in the moving crusher surface.

Corresponding parts in all the figures are denoted by the same reference characters Referring to the drawings, 1 designates a suitable framework, which preferably comprises supporting standards, 2, carrying longitudinal side beams, 3, upon which is supported a top framework having cross beams, at, sustaining side beams, 5, and at an end structure, 6, sustaining side bars, 7, extending above said beams 5. A moving crusher surface, 8, travels within the framework 1, preferably in the form of an. endless belt, and to Sustain this endless belt construction transverse shafts, 9, are journaled upon theside beams 4:, adjacent each end of the apparatus, and carry sprocketwheels, 10, adjacent each end of the shaft and within the side beams 3. Said shafts and sprocket-wheels thus constitute a drumlike revolving structure at each end of the apparatus, and sprocket-chains, 11, pass around the sprocket-wheels 10 and are connected by cross-bars, 12, carrying the crushing members, l-l, the'construetion and operative relationship of which will be hereinafter specifically described.

The moving crusher surface, in the end} less belt construction herein set forth, travels and is sustained in platform condition at the top ofthe apparatus, between the side beams and side bars 7, to form the operative crusher surface, and during its travel the bars 12 slide in their travel during the movement of the belt.

Mounted in the framework 1 is a delivery chute, 16, extendingfrom beneath the operative platform portion of the endless belt downwardly in inclined position to a suitable point at the side of the apparatus. To transmit motion to the moving crusher surface constituted by the belt, a gear, 17, fixed upon one of the shafts 9, meshes with a gear, 18, fixed upon a shaft, 19, journaled upon the side beams 3 and carrying a band wheel, 20, from which apower belt, 21, en tends to any suitable source of power. An endless apron carrier, 22, is suitably arranged within the lower part of the framework I, beneath the delivery chute 16 and beneath the depending portion of the endless belt constituting the moving crusher surface, this apron carrier being inclined upwardly. toward and beyond the terminal end of the platform portion of the belt, and being thus adapted to receive any crushed material which may be carried by the operative portion of the crusher surface as it moves beyond the hopper and turns the arc of the sprocket drum mechanism. To impart motion to said apron carrier, preferably in a direction reverse to that of the travel of the under portion of the moving crusher surface, whereby said apron will deposit at the end of the apparatus any material it may collect, a sprocket-wheel, 23, is fixed at the end of one of the sh fts 9 and carries a sprocket-chain, 2a, engaging a sprocketwheel, carried by a shaft, 26, suitably journaled in the lower portion of the framework 1 and operating a roller, 27, around which the apron carrier 22 extends. Said apron carrier is mounted within a suitable framework, 28, supported within the lower portion of the main framework 1, and comprising longitudinal side bars, 29, between which the apron moves around its rollers, as at 27 and 30, and which operate to maintain the material upon the apron until it reaches the point of deposit therefrom.

It will be understood that the width of the apron carrier 22 is co-extensive with the width of the operative portion of the mov ing crusher surface, and that the open top of the delivery chute 16 is coextensive with the length and width of the operative top platform portion of the crusher surface which constitutes the bottom of the hopper, as hereinafter described. Said chute may be extended a short distance beyond the front of the hopper, as herein shown, if desired.

The hopper, 31, is provided above the op erative platform portion of the moving crusher surface, and is preferably mounted in fixed connection with the top side bars 7, in such relation that the lower edge of the hopper, surrounding its open bottom, is close to the top surface of the moving crusher surface, so that the substance contained within the hopper and being acted upon cannot escape beyond the hopper. In the construc tion just indicated, the front wall, 32, of the hopper presents a closed resistance surface extending to a lower edge close to and immediately above the top surface of the crusher surface, whereby he substance within the hopper is effectively retained in subjection to the action of the moving crusher surface which constitutes the bottom of the hopper. The hopper expands toward its open bottom, which is produced by having the sides or walls of the hopper inclined convergently upward, as shown, whereby bridging or clogging of the coal or other substance in its feed downwardly within the hopper is obviated. The inclination of the front wall 32 of the hopper also serves, in its operative relation to the moving crusher surface, to turn or vary the position of the lumps of material within the hopper and thus present difierent parts thereof to the action of the crusher surface. It will be understood that the coal or other substance is fed to the hopper 31 and is maintained by gravity or the weight of the material in pressure contact with the moving crusher surface and subject to the crushing action thereof.

In the construction of the moving crusher surface 8, the transverse cross-bars 12 are spaced apart to leave an intervening 0pening, 33, extending on the longitudinal plane of the cross-bars between the front edge of one bar which carries the crushing member 14 and the rear edge of the adjoining bar; and in the endless belt construction herein shown these cross-bars are respectively carried by the links, 34, of the sprocket-chains 11 at each side of the apparatus, whereby the openings 33 will enlarge as the crusher surface passes around the arc of the sprocket drum-mechanism. In the operative act-ion of the apparatus, the crushed material passes through the openings 33 in the moving crusher surface 8 and is received by the de livery chute 16. The cross-bars 12 carry a crushing member 1% at their front edge, which normally projects above the top plane of the cross-bar and with relation to the opening 33, for operative action upon the material or substance within the hopper.

The crushing members 1 1, in the construction shown in Figs. 1 to 7 consist of a plate or blade, 35, extending on a longitudinal plane with relation to the front edge of the cross-bar 12, and set in upwardly and forwardly inclined position, for which purpose the front edge, 36, of the crossbar 12 is in clined downwardly and rearwardly. This inclination enlarges the opening 33 in a downward direction, to facilitate the passage of the crushed material therethrough. The top edge, 37, of the blade 35 normally projects above the top surface of the crossbar 12, for crushing action upon the substance or material within the hopper. As the crushing members 1 1 must pass beneath the lower edge of the front wall of the hopper. which is in closerelation to the moving crusher surface, a movable action of the crushing members 14 is provided, to withdraw them from their projecting position with relation to the top surface of the crossbars 12. The preferred construction for effecting this movable action of the crushing members comprises slots, as at in the lat ter, througn which pass bolts. 39, by which the blade 35 is secured in movable connection with the cross-bars 12, and the blade, has arms or extensions, 10, at its ends, which pass beyond the cross-bars 12 and move in guide grooves or recesses, 11, at the inner face of side strips, 42, comprised in the framework of the apparatus and extending longitudinally with relation to the operative portion of the moving crusher surface. Said guide grooves 41 are inclined downwardly serves a further important office in that operates to clear he crusher-surface opening 38 of any crushed material which may'lodge therein, before the opening passes beyond the hopper, by forcing downwardly such mate rial under the pressure action of the downi wardly-moving crusher member; For the purpose last stated, the guide grooves 41 may also have an undulating form with relation to that portion of the hopper area which is in rear of its front portion, as shown in 6,-whereby the crusher members 14: will have, during; their travel with relation to the area of the bottom of the hopper, a down-- ward and upward movement to clear the openings and again return to projecting position for crushing action upon the sub stanceor material within the hopper.

it will be understood that the arrangement of the guide grooves 411 is such that, in the travel of the endless belt construction of the moving crusher surface as herein illus-.

trated, the arms or extensions 40 of the crushing members 14. leave said. grooves at the terminal end of the platform portion of the crusher surface and are again received by said grooves at the initial end, and that the blades arebrought into projective position for crushing action as they enter within the bottom area of the hopper.

l have illustrated in Fig.8 a modified construction of the crushing member 14, in which the operative top edge of the blade is constituted by a series of projecting fingers, d3, which are preferably turned forwardly and pointed, as at 4-1, so that they exert a pick action in breaking and crushing the material or substance operated upon. A further modificationin the construction and arrangementof the crushing means is shown in 9, in which the inclined front edge 36 of the crossbar 12 carries a series of individual plates, 45, bolted or otherwise suitably secured thereto, as at l6, and terminating at their top ends in fingers, 47, preferably turned forwardly and pointed. This construction produces an operative crushing edge, constituted by the projecting fingers, similar to that illustrated in Fig. '8, and to provide for maintaining the area of the crusher surface openings 33 the fixed plates l5 are preferably set in corresponding recesses, 48, in the front edge ofthe crossbar 12. 'The construction just indicated does not provide for the movable action of the crushing members, as hereinbefore" described with relation to the movable plates or blades 35, but inasmuch as in this construction the crushing members are constitutedby individual projecting fingers a movable action is not required and said finges can pass the front wall 82 of the hopper through small slots. i9, provided in the lower edge thereof,

which slots correspond to the projecting fingers and are not of sufficient area topermit any objectionable passage of any of the crushed material therethrough. The same conditions with reference to the slotted arrangement d9 would alsoapply to the projecting linger construction comprised in the modification shown in 8, if desired. In practice, the plates 45 are preferably provided with slot-s, as atZ'O, for the passage of the securing bolts d6, whereby said plates may be adjusted to govern the projective position and extent of their crushing lingers d7.

. The rear edge of the cross-bar 12 is preferably beveled or. inclined downwardlyand forwardly, as at 51, to further expand or enlarge the openings 83 for the passage of the crushed material, and above this beveled edge the crossbar is preferably provided with a wear-strip, 52, which constitutes the front edge of the opening 33.

The wearstrip is preferably adjustable with relation to the cross-bar 12-, to enable regulation of the size of the openings 38, and Ihave herein illustrated one construction for this purpose, in which the top rear. edge of the cross-bar 12 is recessed, as at 53, on a'longitudinal plane with relation to the opening 33, and the wearstrip is set in and conforms to said recess. The wear-strip is secured in position and with relation to the cross-bar 12 by bolts, 54., secured to said cross-bar and passing through slots, 55, in the wear-strip and on a transverse plane .with reference thereto, and thus said strip can be readily adjusted in projecting position with relation to theopening In the preferred construction, the top surface of the cross-bar 12 is maintained in a substantially uniform and plane condition, without projecting features, and in the re cessed construction to accommodate the wear-strip the top surface at the rear edge of said cross-bar is constituted by a plate, 56, forming an extension of the plane top surface and extending over the wearstrip and over the recess in which the wean strip is accommodated. Said plate is secured in a recess, at 57, in the top of the cross-bar 12 in front of the recess 53, by means of suitable bolts or screws, 58; or it may be an integral part of the cross-bar 12 and formed by providing the recess 53in the rear edge of said crossbar beneath its top surface. 2 i

The relative construction is preferably such that the side beams 5 extend beneath the chain links 3% and constitute a support for the operative platform portion of the moving crusher surface, while the side bars 7 extend above said moving crusher surface immediately above the same and at a point within the end portions which are connected to the carrying" chains. The side bars 7 thus serve to retain the platform portion of the moving crusher surface in operative position, in conjunction 'ith the support constituted by the side beams 5, and the crushing members i l extend between said side bars 7.

ifo reduce conditions of friction and wear at the bearing of the operative portion of the moving crusher surface upon the sup porting beams 5, a bearing strip, 59, is suitably carried by the beams 5, at the top thereof, and constitutes the bearing surface for the chain linlrs Set. This bearing strip 59 preferably consists of a suitable fibrous material carried by a suitable holder, as at 60, and adapted to retain a suitable lubricant, by absorption otherwise, whereby a lubricated anti-friction bearing surface is provided in the line of travel of the chain links at all points with relation to the support of the op rative portion of the moving crusher surface, and the chain links or have a flat instance by screws, as at c2, and said bar 60 2* carried held in position by extensions or ps, (i3, pro ecting downwardly and secured in rece s, Get, in the outer face of the beam 5, fasten screws, ('35, being employed secure the e ions to said beam. Tl as. by removin the fastenings 65, the holder BC: with the bearing strip 59 may be slid out from beneath the chain links 3%, and again restored to operative posit-ion, without dismeinbering the moving crusher surface or any of the machine parts.

will be noted that, under the conditions of the construction and arrangement as herein described and illustrated, the crushmembers l l carried by the cross-bars 1:? and the intervening openings 33 for the passage of the crushed material extend on a tr isverse plane between the side bars 7 and terminate within the plane of these side bars, whereby the active operative portion the'crusher surface, for this purpose space between the front and rear edges 0; the adjoining cross-bars 12 is preferably at the terminal ends of the crushing nof the moving surface. I have herein vrried by the cross-bars 12, which cchs may be an integral part of r-bars or may be a separate memto the cross-bar by screws, as at ugs or blocks 66 thus close the space between the cross-bars 12 at a point beneath the frame side bars 7 and between the terminal end of the crushing rtion carried by the crossbar and the end mi eu of the latter which projects beyond 'l side bars '7 and is secured to the chain ilrs, and this closure effectively retains the ushed material from interference with the inks and their bearing.

construction illustrated in Fig. 8 m an arrangen'ient of the series fingers 43, which constitute the I crushing members, in which said .re staggered in their relative posi- -..'th respect to their projective extent In such arrangement, some of thus project higher than others, zed relative position being such ter finger is intermediate of lonas shown. In operative-effect, I ed arrangement of the projecti fingers or teeth 43 at variable rive heights will result in the tipping of any large piece or lump of the subice material being acted upon, by acof some of the fingers, so that other finwill exert their action against said core lumps of material as they lie at an angle instead of on the flat, thus enhancing ctive crushing action. The condi- -.st set forth, vith reference to the red rrana'ement of the crushing finr teeth in their variable projective exient, would also applyto a corresponding arra emeritof the fingers in the construct' 1 shown in Fig. 9, as will be readily rstood. In Fig. 9 l have also shown an arrangement in which the projecting crushing fingers or teeth a7 are staggered in their relative positions with respectto the line of travel of the moving crusher surface. T he preferred arrangement for this purpose has the fingers or teeth carried by one cross-bar 12 so located that they will project on a plane intersecting the space between the projecting fingers or teeth on the next adjoining cross-bar, in relation to the line of travel of the moving crusher surface, shown, and thus the operative action of the crusher surface is multiplied throughout its area and its effectiveness enhanced The arrangement just described, -with relation to the staggered position of the crushing fingers in the line of travel of the moving crusher surface, would also applyto the conditions of construction as shown in Fi as will be readily understood. It will also be understood that the staggered arrangement of the crushing fingers or teeth with relation to boththeir projective posi tion or height and their line of travel with the moving crusher surface, as above .described, could be employed underthe conditions of either of theconstructions shown in.

Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. I

In Fig. 10 I have illustrated a modified arrangement in the mounting of the operative portion of the moving crusher surface, in which the surface bears upon an undulating support. In the preferred construction of this modified mounting, the bearing-strip holder 60, which is supported by the side beams 5, is provided with an undulating top surface, as at 68, and the fiber bearing strip 59 follows the contour of said surface,

the lower edge of the top side bars 7, im-

mediately above the moving crusher surface, being also of undulating form corresponding to said surface 68, as at 69. The links iltof the chains which carry the moving crusher surface thus travel upon an undulatmg or irregular support, and the crusher,

surface is held to-its position with relation thereto by the corresponding lower edge of the side bars 7. The operative effect of the construction just described will cause the chain links, and the cross-bars'12 carried thereby and constituting the moving surface, to move in an upward and downward action corresponding to the undulating surface, which upward and downward motion of the cross-bars and the crushing fingers or members carried thereby will operateto free them from material which would. have a tendency to go forward with the travel of the bars, and the agitationof the cross-bars in their action under the conditions just indicated will also operate to assist the passage of the crushed material through the surface openings 33 and dislodge the same therefrom. It will also be noted that the travel of the moving crusher surface in the undulating path as just described will. cause the openings 33 to enlarge, preferably to a surface," as above described, may be employed in lieu of the construction shown in Fig. 7 in which means are provided for cone trolling an upward and downward movement of the crushing members carried by the cross-bars 12, or said undulating mounting of the cross-bars,wherebyiall the elements of the moving crusher surface are governed in an upward and downward.

movement, may beemployed in conjunction with the means set forth and illustrated in Fig; 7 for controlling an upward and clownward movement of the crushingimembers independent of the movement of the cross: bars by which they are carried, as Wlll be readily understood.

Under some conditions of operation, with reference. to the character of the substance tov be crushed or the degree of reduction de-, sired, the crush ng means or members need not be employed at the edge of each crossbar 12 but may be providedonlyupon cer tain the Crossbars, at intervals with rela:

tion to the extent of the moving crusher surface, thus leaving e intervening cross-bars without crushingmeans.

The operation and advantages of my inr-zentionqand improvements will be ,re'adily' understood by those skilled in the art to which they appertain, e r j j in principle, the substanceor material to be crushed is subjected to theaction of a traveling or-moving crusher surface, where" by it is broken up or'reduced to particles of required size, and the crushed material passes through such crushing surfacefito a point of delivery in principle, the invention further 1nvolves the retarding or retention of the material to be crushed, to maintain the same subject to the action of the crushing surface during the travel of the latter, so that the material is successively subjected to the action of the crushing surface and maintained in relation thereto for subjection to such action until it is crushed or reduced to particles which will pass throughsuchmoving crusher surface. I 1

The invention further comprises the principle of opening up the crushing surface for the release of any crushed materlal leo which may have lodged in the discharge openings of the crushingsurface or in any spaces thereon during the action of the lat ter upon the material. The operation is thus continuous and successive, affording a large capacity and rapidity of operation and thorough effectiveness in the complete crushing into particles of desired size of all the material which is maintained subject to the action of the moving crusher surface.

In p active, the substance or material to be crushed is fed into the hopper 31 and is retained therein, by the front wall 32 and under the action of its weight or gravity, in contact with and subject to the action of the -moving crusher surface. The projecting crushing members 14 of the latter therefore directly act upon the material, during the travel of the surface beneath the same, and operate to break or cut or disintegrate the material into particles of desired size which will pass through the openings 38. The capacity of these openings can be regulated, as hereinbefore described, whereby the operation can be limited to a maximum size of crushedparticles to be delivered through the openings of the crusher surface. The feature of clearing these openings, by a moving action of the crushing members which project with relation thereto, secures an important result in not only assisting the downward movement of the crushed material through the discharge openings of the crusher surface but also to dislodge any particles which may become clogged in said openings. Should any crushed material or particles become clogged or retainedin the discharge openings of the crusher surface, af r passage beyond the hopper, such material will be efi'ectively discharged and'dislodged by automatic action of the crusher surface as it moves in the arc of a circle at the drum mechanism around which it passes at the front end of the apparatus, the action being such that the openings 33 enlarge or open up during the travel of the crusher surface construction in such are, and thus economy and effectiveness is maintained in the operation of the apparatus by conserving and delivering for use under any conditions of operation all of the crushed material. W hile the top surface of the moving crusher surface is in general of uniform plane conditions, whereby none of the crushed material will be retained by said surface and carried beyond the hopper, some conditions of construction or adjustment of the wear-strip 52 may produce small cavities at the top surface of the moving crusher surface, in which the crushed material may lodge and he carried beyond the hopper, but should these conditions exist such crushed material thus carried by the surface will be conserved for use and effectively collected by discharge of the same from the cavities when the moving crusher surface turns the arc as above described.

It will be understood that the improved apparatus as comprised in my invention and im zrovements is adapted for effective operation in the crushing of coal and all other similar substances, for instance ash-es, shale, oyster shells, broken terra cotta or vitrified clay articles or waste, broken or waste brick, and other refractory substances or materials adapted to be reduced by crushing to particles of desired size. The regulation of the discharge openings of the moving crusher surface enables government of the size of the crushed particles, inasmuch as the material or substance will be crushed and reduced until the particles are of a size capable of passing through the discharge openings in the crusher surface, and the crushed material produced by the apparatus can be afterward separated or sifted into grades or sizes in any suitable or wellknown manner.

My improvements, involving the employment of a moving crusher surface having openings'for the passage of the crushed material, are not restricted to the employment of such surface in endless belt form, as in the details of construction herein shown, but the form of such surface may be varied Within any conditions affording an operative platform portion which travels beneath the retaining hopper and constitutes the bottom thereof, as will be readily un derstood,

I do not desire to be understood as limiting myself to the detail construction and arrangement of parts as herein shown and described, as it is manifest that variations and modifications therein may be resorted to, in the adaptation of my invention to varying conditions of use, without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention and improvements. 1 therefore reserve the right to allsuch variations and modifications as properly fall within the scope of my invention and the terms of the following claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent:

1. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a flexible moving surface constituting an operative platform portion and comprising compositely the crushing means and the carrier for the material to be crushed and the screen for the deposit of the crushed material, said moving surface carrying crushing members projecting therefrom and having openings for the passage of the crushed'material.

2. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a moving surface constituting an operative platform portion and comprising compositely the crushing means I and the carrier for the material to be and similar substances, a

crushedand the screen for the deposit of the crushed material, said moving surface carrying crushing members projecting therefrom and having openings for the passage of the crushed material, and means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact with said moving operative platform portion of the crusher surface and subject to the action thereof during the travel of said crusher surface.

3.1n apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, 3 moving surface constituting an operative platform portion and comprising compositely the crushing means and the carrier for the material to be crushed and the screen for the deposit of the crushed material, said moving surface carrying crushing members projecting therefrom and having openings for the passage of the crushed material, and meansfor causing the discharge of crushed material carried by said moving crusher surface dur- 111g the travel thereof.

4:. lln apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a moving surface constituting an operative platform portion and comprising compositely the crushing means the carrier for the material crushed and the screen. for the deposit of the crushed material, said moving surface carrying crushing members projecting there'- from and having openings for the passage of the crushed material, and means for cans ing the discharge of crushed material adhen' ing in said openings during the travel of said crusher surface. I

5. In apparatus for crushing coal and moving surface constituting an operative platform. portion and comprising comgositely the crushing and the carrier for the material to be crushec and the screen for the deposit of the crushed material, said moving surface rying crushing members projecting therefrom and having. openings for the passage of the crushed material, means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact with said moving operative platform portion of the crusher surface and subject to the action thereof during the travel of said crusher surface, and means for dis charging crushed material carried by said moving crusher surface as the operative platform portion thereof travels beyond said retaining means.

6. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a moving surface constituting an operative platform portion and comprising compositely the crushing means and the carrier for the material to be crushed and'the screen'for the deposit of the crushed material, said moving surface carrying ciaishing members projecting there from and having openings for the passage of the crushed material means for holding to be and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact with said moving operative platform portion of the crusher surface and subject to the action thereof during the travel of said crusher surface, and means for discharging crushed material carried insaid openings of the moving crusher surface as the operative platform portion thereof trav els beyond said retaining means.

7. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a moving surface constituting an operative platform portion and comprisin compositely the crushing means and the carrier for the material to be crushed and the screen for. the deposit of the crushed material, said moving surface carrying crushing members projecting therefromand having openings for thepassage of the crushed material, and means underlying said operative platform portion of the moving crusher surface for the continuous reception and carriage of the crushed mate rial which passes through said crusher sur face to a point of deposit during the travel comprising ccmpcsitel v the crushing means and the carrier for the material to be cru hed d thescreen for the deposit of the l said movin surface card materiaa,

r 'ing a crushing members projecting therefrom and having openings for the passage the crushed material, and. all extending transversely across and immediately above the operative platform portion of said. .novine crusher surface in the line of travel ti. said Wall being closed to prevent the pas a e beyond said operative platform porti l being crushed and being crushing niembeis upocrusher surface. l

9. n ao fiarntus for crushingcoal and similar substances. a moving surface travelcontinuouslv in one direction and contoting an operative platform portion and iprising composidselj the crushing means and the carrier or the material to be crushed and the screen for the deposit ofthe crushed 2. i l said moving surface carrying in nbers projecting therefrom and epclin passage of the i'naterial, and a Wall extending versely across andinnnediatelv above operative platform portion of said movrusher surt ice and having a cl sed surinclined dov.'invardlv and forwardly in L119 direction the line of travel thereof, said Well being closed to prevent the passage lJP F'ORQ said operative platform portion of. be material being crushed and leing relatively arranged to permit the passage of the to permit the passage of r crushing members upon said crusher surface.

10. in apparatus for crushing coal and ilar substances, a moving surface constituting an operative platform portion and comprising; compositely the crushing means and the carrier for the material to be crushed and the screen for the deposit of the crushed material, said moving surface carrying crushing members projecting therefrom and having openings for the passage of the crushed material, means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in conative platform portion thereof travels beyond said retaining means.

11. in apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a moving surface constituting operative platform portion and comprising compositely the crushing means and the carrier for the material to be crushed and the screen for the deposit of the crushed mate ial, said moving surface carrying crushingmembers projecting therefrom and having openings for the passage of the crushed material, means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact with said moving operative platform portion of the crusher surface and subject to the action thereof during the travel of said crusher surface, means underlying said operative platform portion of the moving crusher surface for the continuous reception and carriage of the crushed material which passes through said crusher surface to a point of deposit during the travel of said crusher surface, means causing the discharge of crushed ma erial carried by said moving crusher surface as the operative platform portion thereof travels beyond said retaining means, and means for the reception and carriage to a point of deposit of the crushed material which is discharged beyond the op erative platform portion of the moving crusher surface.

12. in apparatus for crushing coal and si ilar substances, a flexible moving crusher surface constituting an operative platform portion and having openings for the passage of the crushed material, and crushing members projecting above said openings.

in apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a flexible moving crusher surface traveling continuously in one direction and constituting an operative plat-form portion and having openings for the passage of the crushed material, crushing members projecting above said openings, and means extending transversely across and immediately above the operative platform portion of said moving crusher surface and in the direct line of travel thereof for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher surface and subject to the action of said projecting crushing members, said holding and retaining means being relatively arranged to permit the passage of said flexible crusher surface.

14. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a flexible moving crusher surface traveling continuously in one direction and constituting an operatirplatform portion and havin openings for the passage of the crushed material, crushing members projecting above said openings, means extending transversely across and immediately above the operative platform portion of-said moving crusher surface and in the direct line of travel thereof for holding; and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher surface and subject to the action of said projecting crushing members, and means for permitting the passage of said projecting crushing members beneath and beyond said retaining means.

15. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a flexible endless moving surface constituting an operative platform portion and comprising compositely the crushing m ans and the carrier for the material to be crushed and the screen for the deposit of the crushed material, said moving surface carrying crushing members projecting therefrom and having openings for the passage of the crushed material, and a hoppe mounted above said operative platform portion of said flexible crusher surface and having its bottom constituted thereby.

16. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a feed h pper having a flexible moving bottom constituting an operative platform portion and comprising compositely the crushing means and the carrier for the material to be crushed and the scre n for the deposit of the crushed material, said moving bottom carrying project ing crushing; members and provided with openings for the passage of t 1e crushed material.

l7. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a moving surface travelinc cont =uously in one direction and contilting an operative platform portion and comprising conipositely the crushing m ans and the carrier for the material to be crushed and the screen for the deposit of he crushed material, said moving surface carrying crushing face and having its bottom constituted thereby, said hopper having its interior area enlarged downwardly toward said operative platform portion of the moving crusher surface. I I

18. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a moving surface traveling continuously in one direction and constituting an operative platform portion and comprising compositely the crushing means and the carrier for the material to be crushed and the screen for the deposit of the crushed materiah-said moving surface carrying crushing members projecting therefrom and having openings for the passage of the crushed material, and astationary hopper mounted above said operative portion of said crusher-surface and having'its bottom constituted thereby, said hopper having its front wall extending transversely across the operative platform portion of said crusher surface and inclined downwardly and forwardly in a direction of the line of travel of said movingcrusher surface.

19. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a flexible moving crusher surface traveling continuously in one direction and'constituting an operative platform portion and having openings forthe passage of the crushed material and projecting crushing members, a hopper mounted above said operative platform portion of said crusher surface and having its bottom constituted thereby, the front wallof saidhop-v per extending across and immediately above said moving crusher surface, and meansfor permitting the'passage of said projecting crushing members beneath and beyond said front wall of the hopper.

'20. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a moving surface comprising compositely the crushing means and the carrier for the material to be crushed and the screen for the deposit of the crushed material, said moving surface carrying crushing members projecting therefrom and having openings for the passage of the crushing material, means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof, and means for producing a variable position of the lumps or pieces of material" to be crushed while they are subject to the action ofsaid moving crusher surface. i

21. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a moving surfacejcom-- prising compositely the crushing meansf'and the carrier for the materlal to be crushed and the screen for the deposit of'the crushed crushin members to.

material, said moving surface carrying crushing members projecting therefrom and having openings for .the passage of the crushed material, means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in vcontact with said. moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof, andmeans for I retarding and deflecting theforward movement of the lumps or pieces of material to be crushed as they are carriedby and subject to the action of saidmoving crusher surface.

:22. In apparatus forcrushing coal and similar substances, a moving crusher surface having openings for the passage of the crushed material and crushing memberspro jecting with relation to said openings,

means for holding and retaining. the substance to be crushed in contact with said moving crushersurface and subject to the action thereof, andmeans for lmparting a movable action to said crushing members independent of the movement of saidcrusher surface. I I I 23. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, amoving crusher surface having openings for the passage of the crushed material and crushing members proj ecting with relation to said openings, means for holding and retaining the substanceto be crushed in contact with said moving crusher surfaceand subject to the action thereof, and means for moving said crushing members upwardly and. downwardly with relation to the plane of said moving crusher surface.

24. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, amoving crusher surface having openings for the passage of the crushed materialand crushing members nor mally projecting above said surface and with. relation to said openings, a wall 6X-I tending across and immediately-above said moving taining the material to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof, and means for varying the position of said, projecting g permit their passage beyond said wall. a

25. In apparatus for crushing coal and similarsubstances, a moving crusher surface havingopenings for the passage of the crushed material and crushing members normally rojecting above. said, surface and with relation to said openings, means for holding and retaining 'the material to be crushed in contact with saidmoving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof, and means for moving said'projecting crush' ing members at an angleto the plane of said moving'crusher surface. I I

'26. In apparatus for crushing coal and ,similar substances, a moving crusher surface having 'openings for the passage-of the crushed material and crushing members crusher surface for holding and re- Y projecting with relation to said openings, means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof, and means for clearing said openings of crushed material by action of said crushing members.

27. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a moving surface carry-ingcrushing members and having openings for the passage of the crushed material, means for. holding and retaining the substance to be 1;

moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof, and shdable means operating within said openings at an angle to the plane i of said moving crusher surface to discharge the crushed materlal therefrom.

29. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a moving crusher surface having openings for the passage of the crushed material, means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof, and crushing members projecting with relation to said openings and comprising a part slidable therein at an angle to the plane of said moving crusher surface, whereby the crushed material will be discharged from saidopenings.

30. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a moving crusher surface having openin s for the passage of the crushed material and crushing members pr jecti-ng above said surface, means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher surface and subject to the action theneof, and means s'l idably mounted at the Wall of said openings and operating at an .angle to the plane of said moving crusher surface.

31. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a moving crush-er surface having openings for the passage of the crushed material :and crushing members projecting above said surface, means for holdand retaining the substance to be crushed. in contact with-said moving crusher stu'face and subject to the action thereof, and means mounted in said openings and movable at an angle to the plane of said movingorusher surface, whereby said moving means will. bear against the crushed material in said openings and .dislodgethe same.

32. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a moving crusher surface having openings for the passage of the crushed material and crushing members projecting above said surface, means for holding and retaining the substance tobe crushed in contact with said moving. crusher surface and subject to the-action thereof, and means mo-vably operating in said openings to contact with the crushed material therein and dislodge the same.

In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a moving crusher surface constituting an operative platform portion and having openings for the passage of the crushed material and crushing members projecting above said surface andstaggered in their projective position with relation to the transverse plane of said flexible moving crusher surface, and means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof.

34. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a moving crusher surface constituting an operative platform portion and having openings for the passage of v the crushedinatemal and crushing members projecting above said surface and staggered in their projective position with relation to the line of travel of said flexible moving crusher surface, and means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof.

'35. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a moving crusner surface having openings for the passage of the crushed material and comprising transverse cross-bars, a series of crushing members carried by said cross-bars and projecting at variable heights with relation .to the plane of said moving crusher surface, and means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof.

36. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a moving crusher surface having openings for the passage of the crushed material and comprising transverse cross-bars, a series of crushing members respectively carried by said cross-bars andpnejecting above the plane of said moving icrusher surface,;the series of said crushing members carried by one of said cncssbars being staggered with relation to the series carried by the adjoining crossbar in the direction of travel of said moving crusher surface, and means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof.

'67. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a flexible moving crusher surface having openings for the passage of the crushed material andc'omprising transverse cross-bars pivotally mounted and spaced apart to form said openings, crushing members carried at the front of said cross-bars and projecting above 'said surface, and means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof.

38. In apparatus for crushingcoaland similar substances, a moving crusher surface having openings for the "passage of the crushed material, members sl-idably mounted in connection with said surface and transversely with relation thereto and constituting crushing means normally I projecting above said surface, said members being movable at an angle to. the plane of said surface and being provided with end extensions or arms, means engaging said extensions or arms to actuate said members, and means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact with .said moving crusher surface andsubject tothe action thereof. I

39. In apparatus for crushing "coal and similar substances, a moving crusher 'sur face having openings for the passage of'the crushed material, members slidably mounted in connection with said surface and transversely with relation thereto and constituting crushing means normally projecting above said surface, said members being movable at an angle to the plane of said surface and being provided with end-extensions or arms, members having guides engaging said extensions or arms and extending in variable position with'relation to the plane of said moving crusher surface, and means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact With'said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof.

40. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a moving crusher surface having openings for the passage of the crushed material, plate members extending in said openings and slidably mounted in connection with said surface and" transversely with relation thereto and having crushing means normally projecting above said surface, said plate members being movable at an angle to the plane of said surface and being provided with end'extensionsor arms, means engaging" saidzextensions or arms to actuate said plate members, and means for holding and retaining the substance tobev crushed in contact with said moving crusher surfaceand subject to. the action thereof. I i

. 41. In apparatus for crushing coal'and similar substances, a moving crusher surface having openings for the passage of the crushed material andcomprising an operative platform portion, crushing members carriedby said surface and normally pro angle with relationto the plane of saidsurface, means for successivelyraising and low-.

ering said movable crushingvmembersi dun mg their period of travel with relation :to

the operative platformportion of said moving crusher surface, and means for holding and'retainingthe substance to be crushed in contactwith said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof.

42. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances,"a moving crusher surface having openings for the passage of the crushed material andcomprisingan operative platform portion, I crushing members carried by said surface and normally proje'cting above the same and movable at an angle with relation to the plane of said sur-- face, undulating guide-means engaging said movable crushing members and actuating the same during their period offtravel with relation to the operativeyplatform portion of said moving crusher surface, and means for holding and retaining the substance to vbe lcrushed I in contact with said 1 moving crusher surface and sub ect to the action 453. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a moving crusher surface having openings for the passage of, the

crushed materialand comprising an-operative platform portion, crushing em carried by saidsurface and normally pro? P jecting above" the same and movable at an angle with relation to the plane of said surface, said movable crushing members having extensions or arms, members comprising un-' dulating guide-means engaging saidextensions or arms to actuate the same during their period of travel with relation tocthej operative platform, portion 1 of said moving contact with said moving crusher surface andfsubject to the action thereof. 1

i lt In apparatus forcrushing coal and similar substances, a moving crusher surface having openings for the. passage of the crushed material and comprlsmg an operatlve platform portion, 'crushmgmembers movably-carried by said surface and nor mally projecting above the same, means for crusher surface, and means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in" relation to the operative platform portion of, i

said moving crushersurface, and means for holding and reta ning the substance to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof.

a 45-. In apparatus for" crushing coal andv isimilar'substances, a moving crusher surface having openings for the passage of the .crushed material and comprising an opera tive platform portion, members carried by action thereof.

49. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a flexible moving crusher said surface and movably operating in said openings, means for successively reciprocating said movable members at an angle to the plane of said surface during their period of travel with relation to the operative platform portion of said moving crusher surface, and means for holding and retaining thesubstance to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher. surface and subject to the action thereof. Y

L6. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a moving crusher surface having openings for the passage of the crushed material and comprising an operative platform portion, members carried by said surface and embodying crushing means normally projecting above the same and movably operating in said openings, means for successively reciprocating said movable members at an angle to the plane of said surface during their period of travel'avith relation to the operative platform portion of said moving crusher surface, and means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof. 47. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a flexible moving crusher surface having openings for the passage of the crushed material and comprising an operativeplatform portion, crushing members carried by said surface in projective position with relation thereto, means for sustaining and guiding the operativeplatform portion of said flexible crusher surface in its action wherebythe substance to be crushed is subected to said crushing members, and means I for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher surface and subjectto the action thereof.

48. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a moving crusher surface having'an operative platform portion and comprising cross-bars arranged in successive series and respectively pivotally-mounted and spaced apart to form openings for the crushed material, crushing members carried by said respective cross-bars and projecting at said openings between the cross-bars, and means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher. surface and subject to the surface comprising compositely the crushing means and the carrier for the material to be crushed and the screen for the deposit of the crushed material, said moving surface carrying crushing members projecting therefrom and having openingsfor the'passage of the crushed material, means for maintaining said flexible crusher surface in operative status in a direct plane for its action upon the substance to be crushed, means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact With said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof, and means for carrying .said fiexible'crusher surface in a movement in the are of a circle to enlarge the openings therein and discharge crushed material carried by said surface in said open ngs.

50. In apparatus for crushing coal and Similar substances, a flexible moving crusher surface comprising compositely the crushing means and the carrierfor the material to be crushed and {the screen for the deposit of the crushed material, said moving surface having openings for the passage of the crushed material and comprising projecting crushing members arranged in successive series and respectively pivotally mounted, means for maintaining the members .at the operative portion of said crusher surface in a .direct plane for the action of the crushing members upon the substance to be crushed, means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof, and means for moving said members of the crusher surface pivotally to discharge .crushed material carried by said surface or in said openings.

51. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a flexible moving crusher surface comprising cross-bars arranged in successive series and respectively pivoted and spaced apart to form openings for the similar substances, a flexible moving crusher surface constituting compositely the crushing means and the carrler for the material to be crushed and the screen for the deposit :of the crushed material, said moving surface comprising relatively pivoted members spaced apart to form openings for the passage of the crushed materlal and carrying projecting crushing members, means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof, and means for carrying said flexible crusher surface in a movement in the arc of a circle to enlarge said intermediate openings to dis- ,charge crushed material carried therein.

sage of the crushed material, means' for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof, andsustaining members'having a curved surface, over Which said links pass, Whereby said'intermediate openings are enlarged When said crusher surface moves in the arc of a circle. I

54:. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a moving crusher surface comprising compositely the crushing I similar substances,- aflexible moving crusher jsurface comprising an operative platform portion and constituting 'compositely the crushingmeans and the carrier for the mai ,terial to be crushed and the screen for the means and the carrier for the material to be crushed and the screen for the deposit of the crushed material, said moving surface carrying crushing members projecting therefrom and having openings for the passage of the crushed material, means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact With said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof, and means for enlarging said openings at a determinedv point in the travel of said crusher surface. i

55. In apparatus forcrushing coal and similar substances, a moving crusher surface comprising compositely the crushing means and the carrier for the material to be crushed and the screen for the deposit of. the crushed material, said moving surface carrying crushing members projecting therefrom and having openings for the passage of the crushed material,fmeans for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact With the operative portion of said crusher surface, means for maintainin said openings at normal size during part of the operative action' upon the substance to be crushed, andmeans for enlarging said openings at determined points in the travel of the crusher surface to discharge the crushed material held therein. f

56. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a flexible moving crusher surface comprising an operative platform portion and constituting compositely the crushing means and the, carrier for the material to be crushed and the screen for the deposit of the crushed material, said moving surface carrying crushing members projecting therefrom and having openings for the passage of the crushed material, means for holding and'retaining the substance to be crushed in contact I With said moving crusher surface and subject to theaction thereof, and means forimparting an undulating'movementf to said operative platform portion of the, flexible .cru'sher surface duringitstravel. 'i

57. In apparatus for crushing coal j similar substances, a flexible movingcrusher surface comprising an operativeplatform portion and constituting compositelygth crushing means and the, carrier. for the materialftobe crushed and "thescreen for the deposit of thecrushed material, said moving surface carrying crushing members projectj ing therefromiandhaving openings for the f passage of the crushed material, means for i holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact With saidmoving crusher surface and sub ect to the action thereof,

1 and means for varying the plane ofsaid op erative platform portion of; theflexible crusher surface during'its travel. I

, 58.-Inapparatusj for crushing coalan deposit of the crushed material, said moving surface carrying crushing members projecting therefrom and hav ngopenings for the passage of the crushedmaterial, meansfor holding and retaining the substance to-be crushed in cntactwith said moving crusher "surface and sub ect to the action thereof,

and means for agitating said operative plat; form portlon of the flexlble crusher surface a in l upward and downward movement dur; mg ts travelh g I 59.-In apparatus for crushing: coal and similar substances, a flexible moving crusher surface comprls ng an operative platform portion and constituting compositely the crushing means and the carrierfor the'material toebe crushed and the screen for the deposit of the crushed material, said moving surface carrylng .crush1ng members pro ecting therefrom and havlngopemngs for the passage of the crushed material, means for holding and retaining the substanceito be crushed in contact Withsaid moving crusher surface and subject to the action--thereof, and means for varying the plane of saidop erativeplatform portion of the flexible crusher surface in successive movements dur ing its travel. i a i 6,0. In apparatus-for crushing coal and similar substances, a flexible moving crusher surface comprising an operativeplatform portion and constituting compositely the crushing means and the carrierfor the ma terial to be crushed; and they screen for the deposit of the crushed,mat-erial; said moving surface carrying, crushing members projects ing therefrom and having openings for, the

. passage, of the crushed material, means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof, and means for agitating said operative platform portion of the flexible crusher surface in a movement independent of'its movement in the line of travel.

61. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a flexible moving crusher surface comprising an operative platform portion and constituting compositely the crushing means and the carrierfor the material to be crushed and the screen for the deposit of the crushed material, said moving surface carrying crushing members projecting therefrom and having openings for the passage of the crushed material, means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof, and means for agitating said operative platform portion of the flexible crusher surface in a movement at an angle to its direction of travel.

62. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a flexible moving crusher surface comprising an operative platform portion and constituting compositely the crushing means and the carrier for the material to be crushed and the screen for the deposit of the crushed material, said moving surface carrying crushing members projecting therefrom and having openings for the passage of the crushed material, means for holding. and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact Withsaid moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof, and means for agitating said operative plat form portion of the flexible crusher surface in a movement independent of its travel and at an angle to its direction of travel.

68. In apparatus for crushing coal and 2 similar substances, a flexible moving crusher surface comprising an operative platformportion and constituting compositely the crushing means and the carrier for the material to be crushed and the screenfor the deposit of the crushed material, said moving surface carrying crushing members projecting therefrom and having openings for the passage of the crushed material, means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof, and means for enlarging said openings during the operative movement of said platform portion.

64. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a flexible moving crusher surface comprising an operative platform portion and constituting compositely the crushing means and the carrier for the material to be crushed and the screen for the deposit of the crushed material, said 'moving surface carrying crushingmembers projecting therefrom and having openings for he passage of the crushed material, means i for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact With said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof, and'means for successively enlarging and restricting said openings during the operative movement of said platform por- 1 tion.

65. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar'substances, a flexible moving crusher surface comprising an operative platform portion and having openings for the pas- ;sage of the crushed material, said surface being constituted by independently-mounted transverse members embodying projecting crushing means, means for holding and re tai-ning the'substance to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof, and a support constituting a bearing for the operative platform portion of said flexible crusher surface in its movement and having an irregular surface upon which said members are supported.

66. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a flexible moving crusher lsurface comprising an operative platform jportion and having openings for the pas- Esage of the crushed material, said surface being constituted by independentlyonounted tra-nsverse members embodying projecting 5 crushing means, means for holding and re- Q taining the substance to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher surface and subject tothe action thereof,and a support 1 constituting a bearing for the operative platform portion of said flexible crusher surface I in its movement and having an undulating surface upon which said members are supported.

67. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a flexible moying crusher surfacecomprising an operative platform portion and having openings for the passage of the crushed material, said surface being constituted by independently-mounted transversemembers embodying projecting crushing means, means for holding and re- I taining the substance to be crushed in conitact with said moving crusher surface and j subject to the action thereof, a support constituting a bearing for the operative plati form portion of said flexible crusher surface in'its movement and having an irregular surface upon which said members are supported, and a top member mounted imme diately above the operative platform portion 1 of said flexible crusher surface and having an irregular bottom surface corresponding to the irregular surface of said support.

68. In apparatus for crushing coal and similarsubstanceaa flexible moving crusher surface comprising an operative platform -portion and having openings for the pass sage of the crushed-material, said surface being constituted by independently-mounted transverse members embodying pro ecting crushing means, means for holding and rein its movement and having an undulating surface upon which said membersare sup' ported, and a top member mounted immediately above the operative platform portion of said flexible crusher surface and having an undulating bottom surface corresponding to the undulating surface of said support.

- 69. In apparatus forcrushing; coal and similar substances, a flexible crusher surface comprising an operative platform portion and having independently-mounted transverse members spaced apart to forms-openings for the passage of the crushed material and embodying projecting crushing members, means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in'contact with said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof, and a support constituting a bearing for the operative platform portion of said flexible crushersurface' in its movement and having an irregular surface' upon which said independently-mounted members are supported. Y

70. In apparatus for crushing 'coal and similar substances, a flexible crusher surface comprising an operativeplatform portion and having. independently-mounted transverse membersspaced apart to form openings for the passage of the crushed material and embodying projecting crushing members means for holding and retainingthe substance to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher surface and subject tothe action thereof, and asupport constituting a bearing for the operative platform portion of said flexible crusher surface in its" movement andhaving an" undulating sur face upon which said "independently- .mounted members are supported;v

71. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a flexible crusher. sur-,

. with) said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof, a support constituting a bearing for the operative platform portion of said fiexiblecrusher surface ini'ts movement and having an irregular surface upon which said independently-mounted members are supported,and a top member mounted immediately above the operative platform portion of} said flexible crusher surfaceand having an irregular bottomsurface corresponding to the irregular surface of said support. 3

72. In apparatus for crushing coal and similarsubstances, a flexible crusher surface com prising an operative platform portion and having independently-mounted transverse" members spaced apart to form openings'for the passage of the crushed material and em 'bodying projecting crushing members,

means for holding andretaining the sub: stance to be crushed in contact with said. moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof, a support constituting a bearing for the operative platform portion ofsaid flexible crusher surface in its move ment and having an undulating surface upon which said independently-mounted members are supported, and atop member mounted immediately above the operative platform portion of said flexible crusher surface and'having an undulating bottom' surface corresponding to the undulating surface of said support. I

73. In apparatus for, crushing coal and similar substances, a moving crusher sur face comprising an operative platform portion and constituting compositely the crushing means and the carrier for the material to be crushed and the screenfor the deposit of'the crushed material, said moving surface carrying crushing members projecting therefrom andhaving openings for the passage of the crushed material, means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact' withsaid moving crusher surface and subject-to the action thereof, and means for maintaininga continuous suc cessive action of said crusher surface upon 195 th'e'substance to be crushed until the latter I is reduced to a size. receivable through said openings.

74. In apparatus for crushing coaland face comprising an operative platform portion and constituting compositely the crushing meansand the carrier for the material to bejcjrushed and the screen for the deposit of the crushed material, said moving surface carrying crushing members projecting; therefrom and having openings for the "passage of the crushed material, meansfoiholding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact with said movmg crusher surface and subject .to {the action thereof, means" for maintaining a continuous successive action ofsaid, crusher surface upon the substance to be crushed, and means for permitting the discharge of'125 the crushed material through said openings while the substance; to be crushed is'maintained in subjection tothe ,action of said surface.

75. I11 apparatus foi crushing coal and 1 .20

similarsubstances, a moving crusher sur- 110 similar substances, a moving crusher surface comprising an operative platform portion and constituting compositely the crushing means and the carrier for thematerial to be crushed and the screen for the deposit of the crushed material, said moving surface i carryingv crushing members projecting therefrom and having openings for the passage of the crushed material, means for maintaining a continuous successive action of said crusher surface upon the substance to be crushed until the latter is reduced to a size receivable through said openings, and means for permitting the discharge of the crushed material through said openings While the substance to be crushed is maintained in subjection to the action of said surface and for the collection and deposit thereof.

76. In. apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a feed hopper having, a moving bottom comprising compositely the crushing means and the carrier for the material to be crushed and the screen for the deposit of the crushed material, said moving bottom carrying crushing means projecting therefrom and operating to'crush the substance retained in said hopper, means for holding and retaining thesubstance to be crushed in contact With said moving crusher bottom and subject to the action thereof, and means for permitting the collection and discharge of the crushed material While the substance to be crushed is subject to the action of said crusher surface.

77. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a feed hopper having a moving bottom comprising compositely the crushing means and the carrier for the material to be crushed and the screen for the deposit of the crushed material, said moving bottom carrying crushing means projecting therefrom and operating to crush the substance retained in said hopper and having openings for the passage of the crushed material, means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher bottom and subject to the action thereof, and means for permitting the collection and deposit of the crushed material from said openings While the substance to be crushed is subject to the action of said crusher surface.

78. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a moving crusher surface comprising an operative platform portion and having openings for the passage of the crushed material, means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof, crushing members projecting at said openings for acting upon the substance to be crushed While it is retarded upon said moving crusher surface,

. and means for collecting the crushed materia-l as it is deposited from said moving while the substance to be crushed is retarded and subject to the-action of. said crushing 3 members. r

79. In. apparatus for crushing coal and a similar substances a moving crusher surface :comprising an operative platform portion 3 across said moving crusher surface for the I passage-of the crushed material, means for holding and retaining the substance to be Z crushed in contact with said moving crusher jsurface and subject to the action thereof,

; crushing, means projecting at said openings iand extendingtransversely across said surface for acting upon the substance to be i crushed While it is retarded upon said mov- ;ing crusher surface, and means for collectiing the crushed material as it is deposited from said moving crusher surface in a continuous movement- While the substance to be crushed is retarded and subject to the action i of said crushing means;

80. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a moving crusher surface vcomprising an operative platform portion and having a successive series of openings 1 for the passage of the crushed material,

.means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof, a successive series of crushing means projecting at. said openings for acting upon the substance to be crushed 1 While it is retarded uponsaid moving ,crusher surface, the series arrangement. be-

3 ing such that said successive series of crushj ing means conjointly act upon the retarded substance to be crushed, and means for collecting the crushed material as it is depos- 1 ited from said moving crushersurface in a continuous movement while the substance to 3 be crushed is retarded and subject to the ac- 1 tion of said crushing means.

81. In apparatus. for crushing coal and similar substances, a moving crusher surface comprising an operative platform portion and havingthroughout its entire area in the plane of movement of said operative platform portion successive openings for the passage of the crushed material, means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact With said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof, crushing members projecting at each of said openings for acting upon the substance to be crushed While it is retarded upon said movingcrusher surface, and means for collecting the crushed material as it is deposited from said moving crusher surface in a continuous movement while the substance to be crushed; is retarded and subject to the action of said crushing members.

82.- In apparatus for crushing coal and crusher surface in a continuous movement and having openings extending transversely means for holding and retaining the sub stance to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher surface andsubject to the action thereof, crushing members projecting at said openings for acting upon the'substance to be crushed While it is retarded upon said moving crusher surface, the series arrangement being such that said crushing members con jointly act at said continuous series of openings upon the retarded substance to be crushed, and means for collecting the crushed material as it is deposited from said moving crusher surface in a continuous movement While the substance to be crushed is retarded and subject to the action of said crushing members. a

88. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a moving crusher sur face comprising an operative platform portion and constituted by transverse members spaced apart to form openings for the passage of the crushed material, means for holding and retaining the substance to be in contact With said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof. crushing means projecting the front of each of said members at said openings for acting upon the substance to be crushed While it is retarded upon said moving crusher surface, and means for coliecting the crushed material as it is deposited from said moving crusher surface in a continuous movement While the substance .to be crushed crushed is retarded and subject to the action of said crushing means.

84:, In apparatus for crushing coal and crushed material, means for holding and re- 1 taining the substance to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof, crushing means projecting at the front of said members in a continuous co-actiug series at said openings for acting upon the'substance to be crushed while it is retarded upon said moving ClUSl'lQl surface, and means for collecting the crushed material as it is deposited from said moving crusher surface in a continuous movement While the substance to be crushed is retarded and subject to the action of said crushing means.

85. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a moving crusher surface comprising an operative platform portion and constituting compositely the crushing means and the carrier for the material to be crushed and the screen for the deposit of the'crushed material, said moving surface having openings for the passage of the crushed material, said surface comprising link members arranged in successive series and crushing means having crushing members projectlng from said moving surface, said crushing means being respectlvely carried by said link members in series for acting upon the substance to be crushed While it is retarded upon said moving crusher surface, means for holding and retalning the substance to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof, and means for collecting the crushed material as it is deposited fromsaid moving crusher surface in a continuous movement While the substance to be crushed is retarded and subject to the action ofsaid crushing means. U a

86. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a moving crusher surface comprising an operative platform portion and constituting compositely the crushing means and the carrier for the material to be crushed. and the screen for .the deposit of the crushed material, said moving surface having openings for the passage of the crushed material, said surface. being constituted by sprocketchains andwmembers having crushing means projecting from said moving surface, said" members having the crushing 'means being respectively I carried by the pivotal'elements of said sprocket-chains for acting upon the substance to be crushed While it is retarded "upon said moving crushersurface, means for holding and retaining the substance to be crushed in contact ith said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof, and means for collecting'the crushed material as it is deposited from sald moving crusher surface 1n a continuous movement While the substance to be crushed is retarded and subject to the action of said crushing means.

87. In apparatus for crushing coal and similar substances, a moving crusher surface comprising an operative platform portion and having openings for the passage of the crushed material, said surface being con stituted by link members arranged in series at each side and cross-bars carrying crushing members projecting at their front and respectively carried by each of the opposite pairs of link members and spaced apart, whereby said crushing members act in a continuous successive series upon the substance to be crushed While it is retarded upon said moving crusher surface, means for holding and retainingthe substance to be crushed in contact with said moving crusher surface and subject to the action thereof, and means for collecting the crushed material as it is deposited from said moving crusher 

